[Study on genetic-chemical relation of Pterocephali Herba based on DNA barcode and UFLC]

DNA barcoding technique in combination with UFLC analysis technology was used to evaluate the quality of Tibetan medicine Pterocephalus hookeri from species identification and chemical qualitative and other aspects. Hybrid identification was established by DNA barcoding; UFLC-PDA was adopted to analyse fingerprint of different parts of Pterocephali Herba, and SPSS and Grey relation software were used for data analysis. The result showed that DNA barcoding is an accurate and reliable method in origin identification of Pterocephalus hookeri. The compounds in overground is more than underground by analysis of the different part fingerprint by UFLC. The genetic gene may be involved in the secondary metabolites of iridoid glycosides. Pertinence between gene and chemical component, as a new model established, could be suited for quality evaluation and resources protection.

[Identification of Tibetan medicine "Dida" of Gentianaceae using DNA barcoding]

The ITS2 barcode was used toidentify Tibetan medicine "Dida", and tosecure its quality and safety in medication. A total of 13 species, 151 experimental samples for the study from the Tibetan Plateau, including Gentianaceae Swertia, Halenia, Gentianopsis, Comastoma, Lomatogonium ITS2 sequences were amplified, and purified PCR products were sequenced. Sequence assembly and consensus sequence generation were performed using the CodonCode Aligner V3.7.1. The Kimura 2-Parameter (K2P) distances were calculated using MEGA 6.0. The neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic trees were constructed. There are 31 haplotypes among 231 bp after alignment of all ITS2 sequence haplotypes, and the average G±C content of 61.40%. The NJ tree strongly supported that every species clustered into their own clade and high identification success rate, except that Swertia bifolia and Swertia wolfangiana could not be distinguished from each other based on the sequence divergences. DNA barcoding could be used as a fast and accurate identification method to distinguish Tibetan medicine "Dida" to ensure its safe use.

[Study on quality standard of Berberidis Cortex]

In order to establish the quality standard of Berberidis Cortex and improve its quality control level, water, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extract were determined according to procedures recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition). The qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The results showed that TLC identification had a good resolution with clear spots. The water content was 8.39%-12.23%; total ash was 4.50%-9.96%; acid-insoluble ash was 0.10%-0.69%, and the alcohol-soluble extraction was 20.62%-37.13%. The average contents of magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, and berberine in Berberidis Cortex were 5.98%, 0.63%, 0.30%, 2.50%, respectively. It was concluded that the developed method was accurate and good in specificity, which can be used for quality control of Berberidis Cortex in the future.

[Studies on dosage-efficacy/toxicity relationship of anti-hypoxia effects and quality standard of Tibetan medicine Brassicea Radix extract]

To evaluate the efficacy and safety associated with anti-hypoxia effect and establish the quality standard for Brassicea Radix extract, the investigations of acute toxicity and subacute toxicity were carried out to preliminarily appraise the toxicity, and the models of normal pressure hypoxia, acute cerebral ischemia and sodium nitrite poisoning in mice were used to evaluate the effect of enhancing anoxia endurance. Then according to the methods described in the Appendix of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition), the sulfuric acid-phenol method was applied to determine the content of polysaccharide, and the water, ash and insoluble matter in water inspections were carried out and the control medicinal herb was identified with the samples by qualitative TLC. The results indicated that ① the toxic effects (LD₅₀) of mice was 56.73 g•kg⁻¹ by oral administration of Brassicea Radix extract, while Dm and Dn were respective 86.80 g•kg•d⁻¹ and 35.55 g•kg•d⁻¹;②the determined effective dosage of Brassicea Radix extract which could enhance anoxia endurance was 0.388 g•kg⁻¹•d⁻¹; ③ the methods of TLC and the content of polysaccharide were established. The method of quality control has been recorded in Sichuan Province Standard for Tibetan Medicine, which is reliable, accurate and simple, with good reproducibility. Meanwhile, given the prominent effect on anti-hypoxia and good safety, it provided important basis for clinic safe and effective usage and the development of health products.

[Genetic and chemical discrimination of traditional Tibetan medicine seabuckthorn based on DNA barcode and ¹H-NMR metabolic method]

To differentiate three medicinal Hippopahe species of seabuckthorn, a combined genetic and chemical identification method was established in this study. ITS2 and psbA-trnH were tested for identification of 3 species of seabuckthorn. Detection of the kimura 2-parameter (K2P) distance, the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree and the barcoding gap were used to assess the identification efficiency. ¹H-NMR based metabolic method was applied to acquire the profile of metabolites. PCA was used to analysis the metabolite data. The results indicated that DNA barcode combined ¹H-NMR based metabolic method is a powerful tool for the identification of 3 medicinal Hippopahe species of seabuckthorn. The finding demonstrated that different genetic variation and chemical constituents existed among 3 medicinal Hippopahe species of seabuckthorn. The combined identification method will improve the reliability of species discrimination and could be applicable to much other ethnic medicine which has various origins in China.

Optimisation of α-terpineol production by limonene biotransformation using Penicillium digitatum DSM 62840

BACKGROUND

In this study, (R)-(+)-limonene biotransformation using three fungal strains was compared. Penicillium digitatum DSM 62840 was distinguished for its capacity to transform limonene into α-terpineol with high regioselectivity. Growth kinetics in submerged liquid culture and the effects of growth phase and contact time on biotransformation were studied using this strain. Substrate concentration, co-solvent selection, and cultivation conditions were subsequently optimised.

RESULTS

The maximum concentration of α-terpineol (833.93 mg L(-1)) was obtained when the pre-culture medium was in medium log-phase by adding 840 mg L(-1) substrate dissolved in ethanol and cultivation was performed at 24 °C, 150 rpm, and pH 6.0 for 12 h. Addition of small amounts of (R)-(+)-limonene (84 mg L(-1)) at the start of fungal log-phase growth yielded a 1.5-fold yield of α-terpineol, indicating that the enzyme was inducible.

CONCLUSION

Among these three strains tested, P. digitatum DSM 62840 was proved to be an efficient biocatalyst to transform (R)-(+)-limonene to α-terpineol. Further studies revealed that the optimal growth phase for biotransformation was in the medium log phase of this strain. The biotransformation represented a wide tolerance of temperature; α-terpineol concentration underwent no significant change at 8-32 °C. The biotransformation could also be performed using resting cells.

Elastic and hierarchical porous carbon nanofibrous membranes incorporated with NiFe2O4 nanocrystals for highly efficient capacitive energy storage

Flexible membranes created from porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) hold great promise in the next generation wearable energy storage devices, but challenges still remain due to the poor mechanical properties of porous carbon nanofibers. Here, we report a facile strategy to fabricate elastic and hierarchical porous CNF membranes with NiFe2O4 nanocrystals embedded via multicomponent electrospinning and nano-doping methods. Benefiting from the scattering effect of NiFe2O4 nanocrystals and graphitized carbon layers for the condensed stress, the resultant CNF membranes exhibit an enhanced elasticity with a bending radius <12 μm, rapid recovery from the deformations, and a superior softness. Quantitative pore size distribution and fractal analysis reveal that the CNFs possessed tunable porous structures with a high surface area of 493 m(2) g(-1) and a pore volume of 0.31 cm(3) g(-1). Benefiting from the robust mechanical stability, hierarchical porous structures and good electrochemical properties, the NiFe2O4 doped CNF membranes demonstrate a high electrical capacitance of 343 F g(-1), and good reversibility with a cycling efficiency of 97.4% even after 10,000 cycles. The successful synthesis of elastic porous CNF membranes also provided a versatile platform for the design and development of functional CNF based materials for various applications.

Use of feedback system control in optimizing chemical combinations to synthesize nanoparticles with desired characteristics

Defining desired chemical combinations through the FSC method.

Identification of Hippophae species (Shaji) through DNA barcodes

BACKGROUND

The morphological identification of different Hippophae species (Shaji) was difficult. This study aims to discriminate between medicinal and non-medicinal Hippophae species by DNA barcodes, the ITS2, psbA-trnH, and a combination of ITS2 and psbA-trnH (ITS2 + psbA-trnH).

METHODS

DNA was extracted from the dried fruit samples. Primer pairs ITS2F/3R for ITS2 and psbAF/trnHR for psbA-trnH were used for PCR amplification. The purified PCR products were bidirectionally sequenced. Genetic distances were calculated according to the Kimura 2 parameter model and phylogenetic tree was constructed based on neighbor-joining (NJ) method, barcoding gap was also analyzed to assess identification efficiency.

RESULTS

Amplification and sequencing efficiencies for both ITS2 and psbA-trnH were 100 %. Sequence data revealed that ITS2 + psbA-trnH was the most suitable candidate barcode at the species and subspecies level. The closely related Hippophae species were effectively differentiated in the NJ tree.

CONCLUSION

The combination of the two loci, ITS2 + psbA-trnH is applicable to the identification of medicinal and non-medicinal Hippophae species.

Renal metastasis from cervical carcinoma presenting as a renal cyst: A case report

In the present study, the case of a 51-year-old female with a metastatic tumor in the left kidney originating from cervical carcinoma, is reported. The patient had undergone chemoradiotherapy for stage IIB squamous-cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix 3 years earlier. Computed tomography (CT) identified low-density left renal nodules, which were diagnosed post-operatively as renal cysts during the follow-up conducted 2 years later. The next year, the patient was admitted to the Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital (The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China) with a fever of unknown origin, left-sided flank pain and hematuria. CT examination detected irregular low-density nodules in the left kidney and heterogeneous enhancement on enhanced CT. Subsequently, the patient was subjected to a nephrectomy. Post-surgical analysis of subsequent biopsies indicated kidney tumor metastasis originating from cervical carcinoma. Renal metastases are rare in patients with cervical carcinoma. The present study reported a case of renal metastasis originating from cervical carcinoma and also reviewed previous case reports on patients presenting with this unusual type of cancer.

Characteristics of β-glucosidase from oranges during maturation and its relationship with changes in bound volatile compounds

BACKGROUND

The hydrolysis of glycosidically bound volatile compounds can release potential aromas in oranges during maturation. β-Glucosidase is the key enzyme that influences the hydrolysis of bound volatiles. In this study the changes in β-glucosidase and bound volatile compounds in Jincheng oranges during maturation were investigated. The relationship between β-glucosidase activity and bound volatiles was analyzed.

RESULTS

The optimal temperature and pH of β-glucosidase from Jincheng oranges were 40 °C and 5-6 respectively. Its Km and Vmax values were 0.61 mmol L(-1) and 0.009 U mg(-1) respectively. The activity of β-glucosidase was strongly inhibited by Zn(2+), Fe(2+), Cu(2+), Ag(+), Hg(2+) and Fe(3+). β-Glucosidase activity in pulp increased gradually during maturation, while that in peel first increased and then decreased in November. In total, 12 and 14 bound volatiles were found in pulp and peel respectively of this orange during maturation.

CONCLUSION

The concentration of bound volatiles in pulp and peel decreased with the rise in β-glucosidase activity in pulp and peel during maturation. This indicated that bound volatiles in Jincheng oranges were released during maturation owing to the increase in β-glucosidase.

Discriminating Lamiophlomis rotata According to Geographical Origin by (1)H-NMR Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Lamiophlomis rotata (Duyiwei) is a folk herbal medicine that traditionally has been used in China as a hemostatic agent. Raw plant materials used for medicinal products from different geographical regions are often inconsistent in chemical composition. Metabolic fingerprinting provides a new approach for distinguishing the geographical origins of L. rotata.

OBJECTIVE

To identify metabolites that contribute to the different geographical regions of L. rotata samples.

METHODS

Lamiophlomis rotata metabolomics were performed by (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analyses. The L. rotata metabolic profile was prepared for NMR measurements using methanol-d4 solvent. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to analyse the L. rotata (1)H-NMR spectroscopy data.

RESULTS

Nine iridoid glycosides, one flavonoid and three phenylpropanoid glycosides were detected in L. rotata by (1)H-NMR spectroscopy. (1)H-NMR measurements and multivariate analysis were used to successfully discriminate samples from three different locations.

CONCLUSION

The NMR-based analysis of L. rotata is a more comprehensive approach than traditional chromatographic methods. Simple sample preparation, rapidity and reproducibility of are additional advantages of NMR analysis.

Association of proinflammatory cytokines and chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients: a multi-centered, prospective, cohort study

BACKGROUND

Existing evidence suggests that proinflammatory cytokines play an intermediary role in postchemotherapy cognitive impairment. This is one of the largest multicentered, cohort studies conducted in Singapore to evaluate the prevalence and proinflammatory biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemotherapy-receiving breast cancer patients (stages I-III) were recruited. Proinflammatory plasma cytokines concentrations [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α] were evaluated at 3 time points (before chemotherapy, 6 and 12 weeks after chemotherapy initiation). The FACT-Cog (version 3) was utilized to evaluate patients' self-perceived cognitive disturbances and a computerized neuropsychological assessment (Headminder) was administered to evaluate patients' memory, attention, response speed and processing speed. Changes of cognition throughout chemotherapy treatment were compared against the baseline. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to test the relationships of clinical variables and cytokine concentrations on self-perceived cognitive disturbances and each objective cognitive domain.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients were included (age 50.5 ± 8.4 years; 81.8% Chinese; mean duration of education = 10.8 ± 3.3 years). Higher plasma IL-1β was associated with poorer response speed performance (estimate: -0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.34 to -0.03; P = 0.023), and a higher concentration of IL-4 was associated with better response speed performance (P = 0.022). Higher concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 were associated with more severe self-perceived cognitive disturbances (P = 0.018 and 0.001, respectively). Patients with higher concentrations of IL-4 also reported less severe cognitive disturbances (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

While elevated concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1β were observed in patients with poorer response speed performance and perceived cognitive disturbances, IL-4 may be protective against chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment. This study is important because cytokines would potentially be mechanistic mediators of chemotherapy-associated cognitive changes.

Co-self-assembled nanoaggregates of BODIPY amphiphiles for dual colour imaging of live cells

Co-self-assembled vesicular nanoparticles of two structurally comparable amphiphilic boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes with dequenchable dual colour fluorescence were prepared for ratiometric imaging of live cells.

Aqueous self-assembly of a charged BODIPY amphiphile via nucleation–growth mechanism

A new amphiphilic boron-dipyrromethene dye forms fluorescent vesicular aggregates in water through a highly cooperative self-assembly process.

Hierarchical porous carbon nanofibrous membranes with an enhanced shape memory property for effective adsorption of proteins

A hierarchical porous CNF membrane with robust mechanical properties, exhibiting intriguing shape memory properties and efficient protein adsorption performance.

[HPLC fingerprint of Tibetan medicine Shaji Gao]

This study established an HPLC fingerprint of Tibetan medicine Shaji Gao from different habitats and lay a foundation for Shaji Gao varieties identification and preparation process. The chromatographic condition was as follow: Agilent zorbax SB-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm) eluted with the mobile phases of acetonitrile and 0.4% phosphoric acid water in gradient mode. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1), and the detection wavelength was set at 360 nm. The fingerprints of 15 batches Shaji Gao were carried out by similarity comparation, 7 chromatographic peaks were extracted as the common peaks of fingerprint, 3 peaks were identified, which were quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin. The similarity degrees of 14 batches of samples were above 0.9 and 1 batch of samples was below 0.9. This is the first established fingerprint of Shaji Gao by using HPLC. This method has good precision, stability and repeatability that it could provide basis for quality control and evaluation of Shaji Gao.

Improvement of the facial evenness of leave-on skincare products by a modified application method in Chinese women

OBJECTIVE

To understand the habits of Chinese women applying leave-on skincare products (LOSCP) and to improve female facial evenness of anti-ageing cosmetics through modifying facial skincare smear ways.

METHODS

A questionnaire on the method of applying LOSCP was distributed to 60 women with habit of using LOSCP. Their facial images before and after applying LOSCP were taken, and their positioning and grey value were used to analyse the effects of different applying methods on the uniformity of facial LOSCP.

RESULTS

LOSCP including anti-ageing cosmetics have been widely used among Chinese women for a long time. However, some women do not concern how to properly apply LOSCP. In our survey, the main focal points of the face are forehead, malar region, cheek, mouth corners and chin when they looking into the mirror, and mouth corners and inner canthus are often overlooked when applying cosmetic products. The image analysis found that after applying the LOSCP, the greyscale of the forehead, glabella, malar region, upper lip region and jaw changed significantly whereas that of canthus, mouth corners and lateral cheek region was not significantly different. Applying an improved smear method (11-point method)could significantly increase the grey values of various facial areas.

CONCLUSION

The way of Chinese women applying LOSCP may result in facial unevenness of skin products. By improving facial skincare smear method, one can make the products even in all facial areas, thereby ensuring the efficacy of anti-ageing cosmetics. Thus, further improvement and education regarding skincare is required.

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genotypes and haplotypes with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis infection

BACKGROUND

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and T cells and organized in highly polymorphic families. Genetic diversity is an important characteristic of KIR genes. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of KIR genotypes and halotypes on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

METHODS

A sequence specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) was employed to amplify the KIR genes and pseudogenes in 139 pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients and 30 healthy controls. The innovative point of our study was the subdivision of the patient group according to sputum smear test (positive and negative). KIR genotype and haplotype frequencies were compared between the PTB group and the control group by Chi-square test, and p < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The genotype AH and FZ14 may be associated with the clearance of Mycobacterium. In addition, haplotype B may be the susceptive haplotype that facilitated the clearance of Mycobacterium and haplotype A may be protective haplotype of PTB.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the diversity of genotypes and haplotypes induced an inflammatory reaction that resulted in continuous infection.

A photoacoustic approach for monitoring the drug release of pH-sensitive poly(β-amino ester)s

In this work, we prepared PEG modified poly(β-amino ester) graft copolymers with pH-sensitive properties. Doxorubicin (DOX) and squaraine (SQ) dye as a photoacoustic tomography (PAT) reporter molecule were loaded into the hydrophobic core of polymeric micelles, and their release profiles investigated using the PAT technique.

Decreased functional connectivity between the amygdala and the left ventral prefrontal cortex in treatment-naive patients with major depressive disorder: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study

BACKGROUND

Convergent studies provide support for abnormalities in the structure and functioning of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the amygdala, the key components of the neural system that subserves emotional processing in major depressive disorder (MDD). We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine potential amygdala-PFC functional connectivity abnormalities in treatment-naive subjects with MDD.

METHODS

Resting-state fMRI data were acquired from 28 individuals with MDD and 30 healthy control (HC) subjects. Amygdala-PFC functional connectivity was compared between the MDD and HC groups.

RESULTS

Decreased functional connectivity to the left ventral PFC (VPFC) from the left and right amygdala was observed in the MDD group, compared with the HC group (p < 0.05, corrected).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment-naive subjects with MDD showed decreased functional connectivity from the amygdala to the VPFC, especially to the left VPFC. This suggests that these connections may play an important role in the neuropathophysiology of MDD at its onset.

[Analysis and thinking on status of quality standard of ethnic medicine]

The establishing and improving of quality standards for ethnic medicine have close relation with the safety and efficacy of clinical medicine. It is significant to promote the modernization and industrialization of ethnic medicine. This paper summarized the present status of quality standards for ethnic medicine, and pointed out the deficiency of ethnic medicine; the origin of medicinal materials was not clear and varieties were confused; the safety research of mineral drug was weak and so on. Based on these, firstly, the research of quality standards for ethnic medicine should be under the guidance of ethnic traditional medical theory and clinical experience and strengthen the quality control and evaluation of safety and effectiveness for ethnic medicine. Further, much attention should be payed to protection of natural medicinal resources and sustainable utilization. Lastly, modern chemical analysis technology shouled be used during the research process on the basis of ethnic characteristics. It will promote the establishment and improvement of quality standards for ethnic medicine and will be benificial to modernization and industrialization development of ethnic medicine.

Acid-induced gelation behavior of soybean protein isolate with high intensity ultrasonic pre-treatments

High intensity ultrasonic (HUS, 20 kHz, 400 W) pre-treatments of soybean protein isolate (SPI) improved the water holding capacity (WHC), gel strength and gel firmness (final elastic moduli) of glucono-δ-lactone induced SPI gels (GISG). Sonication time (0, 5, 20, and 40 min) had a significant effect on the above three properties. 20 min HUS-GISG had the highest WHC (95.53 ± 0.25%), gel strength (60.90 ± 2.87 g) and gel firmness (96340Pa), compared with other samples. Moreover, SH groups and non-covalent interactions of GISG also changed after HUS pre-treatments. The HUS GISG had denser and more uniform microstructures than the untreated GISG. Rheological investments showed that the cooling step (reduce the temperature from 95 to 25 °C at a speed of 2 °C/min) was more important for the HUS GISG network formation while the heat preservation step (keep temperature at 95 for 20 min) was more important for the untreated GISG. HUS reduced the particle size of SPI and Pearson correlation test showed that the particle size of SPI dispersions was negatively correlated with WHC, gel strength and gel firmness.

Potential implication of activating killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor and HLA in onset of pulmonary tuberculosis

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) play crucial role in maintaining immune homoeostasis and controlling immune responses. To investigate the influence of KIR and HLA-C ligands on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), we studied 200 patients who were confirmed to have PTB and 200 healthy controls on the different frequencies of KIR and HLA-C ligands. Genotyping of these genes was conducted by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method. Gene frequencies were compared between PTB group and the control group by χ(2) test, and P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. As a result, the frequency of KIR genotype A/B was increased in PTB than controls but A/A was decreased. Moreover, striking differences were observed in the frequencies of HLA-Cw*08 between the two groups. Besides, the frequencies of '2DL2/3 with C1' in PTB were increased compared with control group. In addition, individuals with no KIR2DS3 and no Cw*08 were higher in controls than in PTB. KIR2DS1 was increased in PTB when HLA-C group 2 alleles were missing. In conclusion, KIR and HLA-C gene polymorphisms were related to susceptibility to PTB.

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate/layered silicate based nanofibrous mats for bacterial inhibition

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/sodium alginate (ALG)/organic rectorite (OREC) composite nanofibrous mats are fabricated by electrospinning aqueous solutions with different mixing ratios. Both good fiber shape and three-dimensional structure of nanofibrous mats can be observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy shows the existence of OREC in the as-spun composite mats. In addition, small-angle X-ray diffraction confirms that the interlayer of OREC is intercalated by ALG/PVA chains, and the distance between OREC interlayers is increased from 4.50 to 4.74 nm. Wide angle X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra further verify the intercalation is between polymers and layered silicate. Moreover, the thermal gravimetric analysis shows that the addition of OREC has only a small effect on the thermal stability of composites. Furthermore, the antibacterial experiments illustrate that OREC can enhance the bacterial inhibition ability of nanofibrous mats against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Dnmt1-dependent DNA methylation is essential for photoreceptor terminal differentiation and retinal neuron survival

Epigenetic regulation of the genome is critical for the emergence of diverse cell lineages during development. To understand the role of DNA methylation during retinal network formation, we generated a mouse retinal-specific Dnmt1 deletion mutation from the onset of neurogenesis. In the hypomethylated Dnmt1-mutant retina, neural progenitor cells continue to proliferate, however, the cell cycle progression is altered, as revealed by an increased proportion of G1 phase cells. Despite production of all major retinal neuronal cell types in the Dnmt1-mutant retina, various postmitotic neurons show defective differentiation, including ectopic cell soma and aberrant dendritic morphologies. Specifically, the commitment of Dmnt1-deficient progenitors towards the photoreceptor fate is not affected by DNA hypomethylation, yet the initiation of photoreceptor differentiation is severely hindered, resulting in reduction and mislocalization of rhodopsin-expressing cells. In addition to compromised neuronal differentiation, Dnmt1 deficiency also leads to rapid cell death of photoreceptors and other types of neurons in the postnatal retina. These results indicate that Dnmt1-dependent DNA methylation is critical for expansion of the retinal progenitor pool, as well as for maturation and survival of postmitotic neurons.

Development of a rapid resolution liquid chromatographic method combined with chemometrics for quality control of Angelicae dahuricae radix

INTRODUCTION

Angelicae dahuricae radix (Baizhi) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, for which the traditional processing method has been sun-drying after harvesting. In recent years this method has been replaced by sulphur-fumigation for the sake of improving its appearance and pest control. Correct identification of sulphur-fumigated Baizhi and rapid finding of appropriate chemical markers for the quality control of Baizhi are of very great importance.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a rapid and efficient method of rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) combined with chemometrics for discriminating sulphur-fumigated Baizhi and controlling its quality.

METHODOLOGY

The samples were separated on a Zorbax SB-C₁₈-column with a gradient elution programme using methanol and water. The optimal RRLC method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, stability and recovery test. In addition, hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principle component analysis (PCA) were applied to differentiate the different samples.

RESULTS

All the constituents were well separated within 18 min. The results of chemical fingerprinting and quantitative analysis showed that the sulphur-fumigated method obviously destroyed the phytochemical profiles of Baizhi. Moreover, the sun-dried and sulphur-fumigated Baizhi could be clearly separated by HCA and PCA, and the critical markers such as oxypeucedanin and imperatorin accountable for such differences were ultimately screened out.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that sulphur-fumigation is an inappropriate approach for processing crude drugs and should be prohibited, and that the proposed RRLC method combined with chemometrics demonstrated an efficient strategy for quality control of Baizhi.

Metabolic discrimination of rhizoma coptidis from different species using 1H NMR spectroscopy and principal component analysis

Rhizoma coptidis, a broadly used medicinal plant, originates from the dried rhizomes of three species in Chinese pharmacopoeia, namely, Coptis chinensis Franch, Coptis deltoidea C. Y. Cheng et Hsiao, and Coptis teeta Wall. In this study, a novel approach using (1)H NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis was introduced to differentiate the three species and identify potential metabolic markers for better controlling the quality of rhizoma coptidis. A broad range of metabolites including alkaloids, sugars, organic acids, amino acids, and fatty acids present in rhizoma coptidis were detected by means of (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the (1)H NMR data set showed a clear separation between all samples by PC1 and PC3, and some metabolites that could be responsible for the discrimination of the three species were identified. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to statistically verify the significance of differences in metabolite levels between species. By combining PCA and ANOVA, significantly higher contents of palmatine, coptisine, epiberberine, columbamine, and fatty acids together with lower contents of jateorrhizine were found in Coptis chinensis, whereas Coptis deltoidea and Coptis teetA showed the highest levels of sucrose and chlorogenic acid, respectively. This study indicates that metabolites of rhizoma coptidis vary with the species and the proposed method is suitable for metabolic fingerprinting analysis to check the genuine origin of rhizoma coptidis.

Authentication of Angelica anomala Avé-Lall cultivars through DNA barcodes

Angelica anomala Avé-Lall (Chuanbaizhi in Chinese) is an important medicinal plant which can be used in traditional Chinese medicines; however, there are no authentic and universal methods to differentiate this Sichuan famous-region drug of A. anomala from a large number of non-famous-region and false drugs. It has been demonstrated that DNA barcoding is a molecular diagnostic method for species identification, which uses a single standardized DNA fragment. In this study, we tested five DNA barcoding candidates (matK, ITS, ITS2, rbcL, and psbA-trnH), and we found that ITS was the best candidate to authenticate the famous-region drug of A. anomala. Moreover, through comparative analysis of these five DNA barcodes between A. anomala and Angelica dahurica, we found that ITS had the most and ITS2 had more variable regions, but the psbA-trnH, rbcL, and matK regions were identical. Hence, we suggest ITS as the DNA barcoding to identify A. anomala and A. dahurica. Moreover, we are determined to adopt the A. anomala as the accurate Latin name of Chuanbaizhi.

[A preliminary study on the relationship between HLA-Cw polymorphism and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the relationship between HLA-Cw polymorphism and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and therefore to explore the susceptible or resistant genes of PTB.

METHODS

A hundred and twelve patients who were confirmed to have secondary PTB in Shandong Chest Hospital from May 2010 to May 2011 were selected as the PTB group, including 62 males and 50 females aged 19 - 69 years (mean 41.7). According to the acid-fast staining results, PTB patients were divided into a smear-negative group (SN group, 77 cases) and a smear-positive group (SP group, 35 cases). A hundred and ten subjects who underwent physical examination in Shandong Chest Hospital at the same period were selected as the control group, including 59 males and 51 females aged 21 - 67 years (mean 38.3). After genomic DNA was extracted, genotyping of HLA-Cw was conducted by sequence specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP) method. Then Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium was tested, and gene frequencies(%) were estimated = 1-(1-phenotype frequencies)(1/2). Gene frequencies were compared between the PTB group and the control group, and between the SN group and SP group by χ(2) test. According to Bonferroni's principle, α was divided by the number of alleles (n = 8), and P < 0.006 25 was regarded as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The frequency of HLA-Cw08 was significantly higher in PTB patients (43.6%, 75/112) compared with the controls (27.4%, 52/110), χ(2) = 8.790, P < 0.006 25. Among PTB patients, HLA-Cw04 had a significantly higher frequency in the SP group (20.7%, 13/35) than in the SN group (4.7%, 7/77), while HLA-Cw08 had a significantly lower frequency in the SP group (22.5%, 14/35) than in the SN group (54.4%, 61/77), χ(2) = 12.909, 16.732, both P < 0.006 25.

CONCLUSIONS

HLA-Cw polymorphism is related to susceptibility to PTB. HLA-Cw08 may be one of the susceptible genes for PTB, and HLA-Cw04 and 08 may be related to MTB infectious status and clinical outcomes.

First Report of Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Pistachio (Pistacia vera) in China

In the 1990s, pistachio (Pistacia vera L. 'Kerman' and 'Peters') was introduced in China. They are found in many orchards in Beijing and Gansu and Hebei provinces, northern China. In 2009, a new disease was observed on leaves, stems, and fruits in pistachio orchards in Gansu Province. Disease incidence in 8- to 12-year-old orchards was 30%. Yield losses reached 25%. Symptoms began as discrete, sunken, black spots, approximately 10 mm in diameter, followed by circular lesions that eventually coalesced with tissue death recorded and orange fructifications developed on lesions. Pieces of diseased leaves, stems, and fruits were surfaced sterilized and placed on 2% potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25°C. A fungus was consistently isolated. After 10 days, cultures on PDA showed aerial, white mycelium that turned gray to grayish black with a salmon-to-orange conidial mass at 25°C and a 12-h photoperiod. Brown, 80 to 120 μm long setae were observed in the acervulus. Conidia were hyaline, fusiform to nearly straight, and averaged 12 to 18 × 3 to 5 μm. On the basis of morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. (2). On PDA, 0.5 μg/ml of benomyl was applied for the sensitivity test (3). Benomyl completely inhibited the growth of the fungus. Mycelial DNA was extracted, PCR amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 primers for the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2, and sequenced. The DNA sequence was recorded in GenBank as No. HQ631378. The DNA sequence was blasted showing 99% identity with Accession Nos. GQ144454 and GU004376, for C. gloeosporioides. Pathogenicity tests were conducted under greenhouse conditions at 25°C. Three replicates of 2-year-old 'Kerman' plants were inoculated with mycelial PDA plugs placed on 0.5-cm² stem wounds and then wrapped with Parafilm. Controls were inoculated with PDA plugs without the fungus. After 3 weeks, stem cankers were observed on inoculated plants. Control plants remained healthy. Pathogenicity was also tested on injured leaves and fruits. A 10-μl drop of a spore suspension of 10⁴ conidia/ml was applied on 'Kerman' and 'Peters' leaves and 'Kerman' fruits and placed on plates with a wet filter paper at 25°C. Small, black lesions were observed at 2 days after inoculation. At 7 days, necrotic lesions covered the entire surface. C. gloeosporioides was reisolated from necrotic lesions. Controls did not develop symptoms. C. acutatum has been reported on pistachio in Australia (1), but to our knowledge, this is the first report of anthracnose caused by C. gloeosporioides on pistachio. References: (1) G. J. Ash and V. M. Lanoiselet. Australas. Plant Pathol. 30:365, 2001. (2) J. Y. Lu. Plant Pathogenic Mycology. China Agricultural Press, Beijing, 2001. (3) N. A. R. Peres et al. Plant Dis. 86:620, 2002.

Effects of lard on the formation of volatiles from the Maillard reaction of cysteine with xylose

BACKGROUND

The presence of lipid oxidation products in the Maillard reaction pathway is of particular interest today. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lard and its oxidation products on the formation of volatiles from cysteine and xylose model systems.

RESULTS

Headspace volatiles generated in reaction mixtures were examined by solid-phase microextraction in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The addition of lipid had a suppressing effect on most of the sulfur-containing compounds derived from the reaction between cysteine and xylose, especially for 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, 2-furanmethanethiol, 2-methylthiophene, and 3-methylthiophene. One of the intermediates-furfural-was also formed in much lower concentration when lard was present. In addition, cysteine and xylose modified lipid oxidation pathways, so that lipid-derived alcohols, alkylfurans and aliphatic acids were formed rather than aldehydes. Compared with the lard heated alone, most aldehydes were formed at lower levels in the lard-containing reaction mixtures, and several aldehydes including hexanal, heptanal, (2E)-heptenal and (2E,4E)-heptadienal were absent.

CONCLUSION

The addition of lipid was inhibitory to the formation of most sulfur-containing compounds in the Maillard reaction. Furthermore, Maillard reaction products influenced the formation of products from lipid oxidation.

Exercise impacts brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasticity by engaging mechanisms of epigenetic regulation

We have evaluated the possibility that the action of voluntary exercise on the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule important for rat hippocampal learning, could involve mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. We focused the studies on the Bdnf promoter IV, as this region is highly responsive to neuronal activity. We have found that exercise stimulates DNA demethylation in Bdnf promoter IV, and elevates levels of activated methyl-CpG-binding protein 2, as well as BDNF mRNA and protein in the rat hippocampus. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that exercise increases acetylation of histone H3, and protein assessment showed that exercise elevates the ratio of acetylated :total for histone H3 but had no effects on histone H4 levels. Exercise also reduces levels of the histone deacetylase 5 mRNA and protein implicated in the regulation of the Bdnf gene [N.M. Tsankova et al. (2006)Nat. Neurosci., 9, 519-525], but did not affect histone deacetylase 9. Exercise elevated the phosphorylated forms of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and cAMP response element binding protein, implicated in the pathways by which neural activity influences the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription, i.e. Bdnf. These results showing the influence of exercise on the remodeling of chromatin containing the Bdnf gene emphasize the importance of exercise on the control of gene transcription in the context of brain function and plasticity. Reported information about the impact of a behavior, inherently involved in the daily human routine, on the epigenome opens exciting new directions and therapeutic opportunities in the war against neurological and psychiatric disorders.